Mark Small

Mark Small is a saxophonist/woodwind player/composer who currently splits his time between New York City and Miami. After studying in his home state of Connecticut and attending the New England Conservatory in Boston, he moved to NY where he quickly began working in numerous facets of the New York's diverse jazz scene. He currently performs with his own band as well as having performed as a sideman for bands such as the Village Vanguard Orchestra and Darcy James Argue's Secret Society (featured on his Grammy nominated debut record) at such notable clubs as the Blue Note, 55 bar, Village Vanguard, and the Jazz Gallery.

Mark's newly released recording, One Day, features his original compositions for his trio. This recording features Matt Brewer on Bass and Damion Reid on drums. Mark can also be heard on recordings such as his co-lead band with saxophonist Walter Smith III, "Bronze." Released in 2008 (Fresh Sounds/New Talent label) this album features Matt Stevens on guitar, Alan Hampton and Chris Van Voorst Van Beest on Bass, and Bill Campbell on drums. Mark is featured as a sideman playing on a number of recordings including Darcy James Argue’s debut “Infernal Machines”, Martin Bejerano’s “Potential Energy”, Chris Klaxton’s “Star Code”, Kendal Moore’s “Focus”, as well as the soundtrack for award winning comedian Louie C.K.'s show "Louie" and the award winning short film entitled "The Drummer" by Bill Block. On these and other recordings, you can find Mark composing and arranging as well as playing alto, tenor, soprano sax and clarinet. Rounding out his abilities on the saxophone, he has also been seen performing in the broadway musical "Chicago" on baritone, tenor, and soprano sax as well as bass clarinet.

Mark has also toured with Warner Bros. recording artist Michael Buble. His work with Michael had taken him on three world tours playing most major theaters and then followed by most major arenas in the US, UK, Australia and Europe. He has performed in over 35 countries and on numerous television programs including "SNL", the "Today Show", "Letterman Show", "Late Night with Jay Leno", "Ellen", "The Parkinson Show" (UK), "Junos" (Canada), and the "Logies" (Australia). Mark was a featured soloist on both saxophone and clarinet for the Grammy award winning DVD "Michael Buble meets Madison Square Garden" as well as a live performance for PBS, (which went on to become a Grammy nominated DVD, entitled "Caught in the Act"). His work for Michael has included arranging and re-orchestration as well as performing on saxophones and clarinet.

Mark is an active educator, teaching at a number of universities and arts institutions.

He has also been the curator for music at Lagniappe House in Miami for the past 4 years. Lagniappe has been one of the most active and consistent supporters of jazz and improvisational music in the Miami music scene. Show less